Michael West Dewey, the dean of Oregon Capitol lobbyists and executive director of the Oregon Cable Telecommunications Association since its founding in the early 1970s, died unexpectedly on Jan. 16 in Salem, Ore., at age 67, the Statesman Journalnewspaper reported. "A mentor to many and a friend to all, Mike was known for his wit, his honesty and his integrity," the Statesman Journal said, observing that he had worked longer in the Oregon Capitol in Salem longer than any other lobbyist or member of the legislature. He owned the government affairs firm Legislative Advocates.
The Oregon Cable Telecommunications Association said, in part, in a statement that "he made significant contributions to the industry over the years and was on the front lines to see the industry grow and change. He helped guide the industry through those changes at the local, state and federal level. Many of you worked with Mike for decades and know how significant his contributions were to our industry."
The association said: "Mike had a wonderful, albeit dry, sense of humor. He made us all laugh. He was the consummate professional who groomed each of us to represent the organization well. He made
each of us feel that we were important and that he respected us. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Mike. Mike had a huge impact on many of us individually, and as the OCTA organization."
He previously served as president of the Capitol Club, the Salem Education Foundation and the Salem Chamber of Commerce. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathleen; his daughter, Megan; son, Matt; and mother, Nan, among other family members. A Salem native, he was a star athlete at South Salem High School and played baseball at Arizona State University, where he graduated in 1972 with a degree in political science.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Oregon State Capitol on Monday, Jan. 29, at 5:30 p.m. Donations in his memory can be made to The Salvation Army of Oregon, where he was an active member of the board.
